Concealed hinge



Sept. 9, 1941. J. H. RoETHl-:L

CONCEALED HINGE Filed Jan. 5, 1959 NI/ENTOR y.. `A TURN YS.

Patented Sept. 9, 1941 CONCEALED HINGE .lohn H. Rocthel, Detroit, Mich., assigner to Marvel Equipment Corporation, Detroit, Mich., a

corporation oi Michigan Application January 5, 1939, Serial No. 249,370 1o claims. (ci. 16s- 135) This invention relates to hinges and more particularly to concealed hinges for doors as well as various types of closures. especially, although by no means exclusively. adapted for utilization in connection with the hinging of vehicle doors, particularly the doors of automobile bodies, and as will be seen from a consideration of the embodiments herein exemplied the invention is susceptible vof wide application or adaptation.

An object oi the invention is to simplify and improve the hinge mountings for swinging closures, such as automobile doors or doors of other types of vehicles or of non-vehicular structures, and to provide in a unitary hinge device a simple, eiilcient. sturdy, compact and practicable means for hingedly supporting the door or closure.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved hinge device fora swinging closure, particularly for doors of substantial height, such as vehicle doors, which is so oonstructed and simplified as to enable a single relatively inexpensive unitary hinge device made in accordance with the invention to supplant a plurality of separate or distinct hinge devices heretofore resorted to for hingedly supporting the door or closure.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved double hinge construction for a swinging closure, particularly for vehicle doors, such as the doors of automobiles, wherein the upper and lower hinge members' are provided with a unitary mounting means or member which at all times maintains the axes of turning of the hinges in proper alinement and which at the same time provides ya common means for mounting the hinges in one operation upon the body or pillar or other support for the swinging closure or door.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved imit-type concealed hinge adapted to provide a single unitary means for swingingly mounting the door or closure upon the supporting frame thereof, the improved hinge device being of materially less height than the door yet providing ample bearing support for the door.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a unitary concealed hinge device for a vehicle door, particul-arly an automobile door, of outwardly bowed or curved contour, the device providing a single hinge unit for the door of sturdy, durable construction, which may be more easily,

quickly and cheaply installed and which may be 55 swings into and out of the door opening defined The invention is readily and simply adjusted to properly line up or position the door in the door opening.

Other objects of this invention will appear -in the following description and appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawing forming a part of this speciilcation wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary vertical section illus-v lines 2-2 of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 3 is a section taken substantially through lines 3-3 of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 4 is a section taken substantially through lines I--l of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the bearing cap used in both of the embodiments of Figs, 1 and 5.

Before explaining in-detail the present invention it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawing, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood thatl the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, and it is not intended to limit the invention claimed iailetrein beyond the requirements of the prior In the drawing there isl illustrated, by way of example, a hinge device constructed in accordance with two embodiments of the invention as applied to the swinging closure or door A of an automobile body B, the latter, however, being illustrative of but one application of the invention. Referring to Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, the hinge device of each embodiment comprises a xed hinge member and a movable hinge member, the ilxed hinge member being carried by the body and the movable hinge member, cooperating therewith, being secured tothe door or closure. As is customary the swinging door by a suitable door frame, the upright portion of. the frame to which the door ishinged being of reinforced nature and commonly termed a pillar or post. As illustrated in Fig. A2 the marginal upright edge of the door opening which forms the pillar upon which the hinge is supported is formed between inner and outer pressed metal body panels I 8 and Il, the outer panel II being flanged in to provide an upright jamb IIa and secured to the inner panel I as by spot welding. A reinforcing upright channel member I2 maybe spot welded to the side portions of the jamb member IIa. The door B may comprise an .outer pressed metal door panel I3 and an inner upright pressed metal panel I4 suitably secured at I3a to the outer panel and flanged to provide an upright structural pillar member forming a jamb facing the body jamb II a.

'I'he fixed hinge member, as also the major portion of the movable hinge member, is concealed within the hollow body pillar or post behind the jamb IIa. In the present instance the ilxed hinge member of the embodiment of Fig. 1 comprises two mating plates I5 and I8 of pressed steel which are positioned face to face and rigidly fastened together. As herein illustrated these plates are pressed or stamped to provide spaced upper and lower complemental and identical longitudinally extending grooves or generally concave channels I5a and IEa which face each other, when the plates are positioned together, to provide conJointly a pair of vertically spaced bores or bearing sockets I1. Although for convenience two separate hinge plates I5 and I6 are shown it will be understood that a single plate may be used and pressed with the grooves lia and IBG after which the plate is bent to fold one portion back upon the other to provide the spaced bores I1. 'I'he complemental grooves or channels I5a and I,8a on the hinge plates are preferably corrugated in their length to provide alternate outwardly and inwardly extending curved ribs I8 and I9.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the bores or bearing sockets I1 are spaced apartat 2li, within which area the metal of the plates may be cut away or removed. The hinge plates I5 and I8 are placed Y together face to face and secured together in B and for the purpose of mounting these plates they are provided with generally right angle t transverse iianges Iib and lib which extend face to face of the intermediate web of the reinforcing channel I2. These anges are secured to the channel I2 and also to the :lamb member IIa by screws or bolts or the like 22 and intervening countersunk clinch washers 23 which are housed within countersunk depressions 24 pressed into the face of the jamb IIa, see F'ig. 3.

The movable hinge member of the embodiment of Fig. 1 comprises a cylindrical shaft or rod 23 providing a pintle member which extends vertically through the bearing sockets or bore portions I1. The vertical pintle member or spindle 25 has a bearing within the socket portion I1 only at the separated points I3, being spaced from the outwardly embossed portions I8 oi' the bores. 'Ihis construction reduces to a minimum the friction of the shaft 25 within the bearing sockets I1 while at the same time providing an adequate support for the shaft. In addition, the spaces between the embossed portions I3 and the shaft 2l are utilized to hold and retain a supply of 75 lubricating material, such as grease or graphite, for constantly lubricating the hinge.

The upper and lower end of .each bearing socket I1 is capped by means of a bearing cup 26.

i Each cap is cup-shaped and provided with a hole 21 through which the shaft o'r spindle 25 extends. The annular ange 26a of the cap has diametrically opposed notches 28 within which extend the upper or lower edges of the hinge plates I5 and I8 at opposite sides of the socket. Thus, the cap 28 lits over the end of the socket or bore I1 and is interlocked therewith against rotation. Bearing against the end face of each bearing cap 23 is a fiat washer 29 which may be formed of an oil bearing metal or any other suitable metal. Engaging the face of each washer 29 is a sleeve 30 which is pinned at 3I to an end of the shaft or spindle 25 so as to rotate therewith. Each sleeve 30'iits snugly over the end of the shaft and formed integrally with the sleeve is a crank arm portion 32 which has a gooseneck portion and a straight attened extension 33 extending through a transverse horizontal slot 34 in the jamb IIa. The extension 33 bears against the inner face of an embossed portion I4a of the door panel I4 and is adjustably secured thereto "by means of bolts or screws 35 extending through elongated horizontal slots 38 in the embossing I4a. As shown in Fig. 2 a reinforcing plate I4b may be interposed between the panel portion I4a and the fiat faced extensions 33 of the arms 32.

From the foregoing it will be seen that when the door A is swung outwardly the arms 32 of the hinge will swing laterally within the slots 34 and this movement will turn or rotate the shaft or spindle 25 within the short bearing portions I1. The sleeve portions 30 will be supported by the end bearing caps 26 which are held, as above described, against rotation. If desired the washers 29 may be omitted and the sleeves 30 caused to engage directly against the end faces of the bearing caps 26.

Referring to the embodiment;V illustrated in Fig. 5, in this instance the fixed hinge member comprises a single relatively long hinge plate 31, substantially similar to the hinge plate I5, and two upper and lower relatively short hinge plates 38 which in cross-section are similar to the hinge plate I6. The long hinge plate 31 and each of the shorter hinge plates 38 are pressed or stamped to provide opposed mating grooves or' channels which together form upper and lower cylindrical bearing sockets or bore portions 40. 'Ihe construction of each of the socketl or bore portions 48 is substantially the same as the socket portions I1 with the exception that each bore 4l is cylindrical from end to end and is not corrugated as in the previous embodiment. The hinge plates 31 and 38 may be secured together as by means of rivets 38. Extending vertically into each bore or socket portion 48 is a cylindrical pintle pin 4I, each pin extending beyond an end of the hinge plates and being pinned or otherwise secured at 42 within the socket against rotation. Embracing the projecting end of each pin 4I is a cylindrical sleeve 43 which is rotatable thereon. Each pintle pin 4I has a head 44 provided with a flat bottom face overlapping and engaging the end of the sleeve 43. Extended integrally from the sleeve 43 is an arm 48, similar to the arm 32, which has a flattened extension 4l adiustably secured to the door A in the same manner as illustrated in Fig. 2.

The outer end of each bore or socket portion 4 is closed or capped by means of a bearing cap 28 in the same manner as previously described. which cap is interposed between the sleeve 43 and the end of the socket 40. If desired a flat washer 41 of oil bearing metal may be interposed between' the sleeve 43 and the bearing cap 26. Also, if desired, a cylindrical bushing 4B of oil bearing metal may be interposed between the sleeve 43 and the pintle pin 4I. However, the parts 41 and 48 may be omitted and the sleeve 43 formed, as will be readily understood, to bear directly' upon the piritle pin 4| and upon the face of the bearing cap 28.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the spaced pintle pins 4| are xed'against rotation with respectI to the nxed hinge member 31, 38, and the arms 45 with their integral bearing sleeves 43 are mounted to turn or rotate upon the pins and against the bearing caps at the outer ends of the socket portions 40. The hinge pins 4I are always maintained in exact alinement by virtue of the unitary hinge plate 31 connecting them together and at all .times maintaining the same in alinement. Thus, the hinge may be installed in one operation and with a minimum of labor since no eort is required to line up the upper and lower hinges. It will be understood that the hinge unit of Fig. 5 is supported and mounted in the same manner as above described in connection with Figs. 2 and 3 and as shown therein. Installation of the hinges of both embodiments of this invention is facilitated by reason of the adjustable mounting of the arm extensions 33 and 46 and also by reason of the adjustable mounting of the hinge plates to the jamb Ila through the screws 22 and adjustable lock washers 23. To increase the rigidity and strength of the hinge the hinge plate I6 and each of the hinge plates 38 are ribbed or embossed at I 6c and 38e, respectively, vat points opposite the attaching devices 22.

Another important feature of the invention resides in the concealment within the hollow door and body pillars of substantially all portions of the hinge members and particularly the mounting portions of both the xed and movable hinge members. Not only are these portions fully concealed but the improved construction in this respect facilitates and simplifies the assembly of the door on the assembly line. It will be noted that in the assembly of an automobile body utilizing concealed hinges in accordance with the invention the entire hinge unit is inserted into the pillar III- II from the rear side thereof, the arms 33 or 46 being passed through the slots 34, and the fixed hinge member secured to the jamb IIa and the reinforcing channel I2 by means of the screws 22, the heads of which are accessible at the outer face of the jamb. The door A may be readily installed at a later stage on the assembly line simply by passing the arms 33 through correspondingly shaped holes in the door jamb I4, after which the arms are rigidly fastened to the inner side oi' the door pillar at right angles to the jamb I4 by the screws 35 entering tapped' holes in the arm extensions I3. This may be readily accomplished since the screws 35 are accessible at the inner face of the door frame. Thus, the door may be hung without diiilculty on the assembly line even though the entire hinge has previously been installed within the 'body pillar and behind the jamb thereof.

Iclaim:

1. In a concealed hinge, a iixed hinge member comprising a pair of metal plates secured together in opposed relation, said plates having complementary depressed portions arranged to provide an upright bore between said plates, an upright hinge pin extending into said bore and nxed against rotation, a laterallyvextending arm having a sleeve rotatable on said pin, and a non-rotatable inverted cup-shapedbearing cap interposed between the sleeve and the edges of said plates. v

2. In a concealed hinge, a xed hinge member comprising a pair of 'metal plates secured together in opposed relation, said plates having complementary depressed portions arranged to provide an upright bore between said plates, an upright hinge pin extending into said bore, an arm extending laterally from said pin and having a sleeve embracing the same, and a nonrotatable inverted cup-shaped bearing cap interposed` between the sleeve and the edges of said plates.

3. In a concealed hinge, a pressed metal xed hinge member having an upright bearing socket normally open at one end, a hinge pin mounted in said socket and projecting beyond the open end thereof, a rotatable sleeve on said projecting end of the pin, an arm extending laterally from the pin, and a bearing cap interposed between the sleeve and the open end of the bearing socket in nonrotatable relation to the socket.

4. In a concealed hinge, a fixed hinge member comprising a pair of opposed plates secured together, said plates having complementary depressed portions arranged to provide an upright bore between said plates, a rotatable hinge pin extending through said bore, the walls of said bore being provided with a series of concavoconvex corrugations forming spaced points of contact with the pin, said corrugations being adapted to retain lubricating material for constant lubrication of said hinge, and a laterally extending arm fastened to one end of the pin and adapted to be secured to a swinging closure.

5. Ina concealed hinge, a fixed hinge member comprising apair of opposed plates secured together, said plates having complementary depressed portions arranged to provide an upright bore between said plates, a rotatable hinge pin extending through said bore, the walls of said bore being provided with a series of concavoconvex corrugations forming spaced points of contact with the pin, said corrugations being adapted to retain lubricating material for constant lubrication of said hinge, and a laterally extending arm fastened to each end of the pin and adapted to be secured to a swinging closure.

6. In a concealed hinge, a iixed hinge member comprising a relatively long plate and a relatively short plate secured to each end of the long gether said plates having complementary depressed portions arranged to provide spaced alined bores between said plates, a hinge pin mounted in each bore, a rotatable sleeve on each pin, and a swinging arm extending laterally from each sleeve for securement to a swinging door.

'1. In a concealed hinge, a fixed hinge member comprising a relatively long plate and a relatively short plate secured to each end'of the long plate. said plates having complementary depressed portions arranged to Drovide spaced alined bores between said plates, a hinge pin mounted against rotation in each bore, a rotatable sleeve on each pin, and a swinging arm extending laterally from each sleeve for securement to a swingingldoor.

8. In a concealed hinge, a iixed hinge member comprising a relatively long'plate and a relatively short plate secured to each end of the long plate. said plates having complementary depressed portions arranged to provide spaced alined bores between said plates, a hinge pin mounted in each bore, a rotatable sleeve on each pin, and a swinging arm extending laterally from each sleeve for securement to a swinging door, said pin having a thrust bearing overlying the outer end of the sleeve, and a non-rotatable bearing piece; interposed between the sleeve and the edges of the adjacent plate members.

9. In a concealed hinge, a xed hinge member comprising a relatively long plate and a relatively short plate secured to each end of the long plate, said plates having complementary depressed portions arranged to provide spaced alined bores between said Plates, a hinge pin mounted against rotation in each bore, a rotatable sleeve on each pin, and a swinging arm extending laterally and integrally from each sleeve for securement to a swinging door, said arms terminating in substantially straight parallel flattened extensions adapted to be secured to a swinging door. l

10. In a concealed hinge, a iixed hinge member comprising two vertically spaced pairs of plate sections secured together in opposed relation, said plate sections each having complementary depressed portions to provide an open ended bore for each of said pairs. means for connecting said pairs together to maintain the bores in alinement and to permit attachment oi' the xed hinge member as a unit to a support, a hinge pin secured in each bore and extending a distance out of the bore, a rotatable sleeve on the extended end of each pin, an arm secured tol each sleeve and extending laterally therefrom, each pin having a thrust bearing overlying the end of the sleeve. and .a non-rotatable bearing piece interposed between each sleeve and the fixed hinge member.

JOI-IN H. ROETHEL.

CERTIFICATE oF ccRREcTIoN.

- september 9, 19in.

Patent No. 2,255,55Lh

JOHN H. ROETHEL.

is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page, second column, iin@ 59 claim 6, strike out "gether"V and insert instead the word and commaplate,;and that the said Letters Patent` should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office..

`signed and sealed .this 11th day of November.' A. D. 19m.

Henry van Arsdale,

(Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

